Tag Archives: Greg Abbott

A Texas "bathroom bill" targeting transgender people died again late Tuesday along with many of Republican Gov. Greg Abbott's summer demands as an already bruising legislative session was derailed by Republican backbiting that could preview an even nastier 2018 primary season.

Greg Abbott insists he doesn't hate trees. But Texas' Republican governor and many conservatives in its Legislature do hate what they see as government infringing on property owners' rights, and have launched an unprecedented effort to cut down tree protection regulations sprouting across America's second-largest state.

While the economy in Texas has boomed over the last 20 years, along the border with Mexico about a half million people live in clusters of cinder-block dwellings, home-built shacks, dilapidated trailers and small houses.

Criticized over failing earlier to address skyrocketing pregnancy-related deaths, Texas lawmakers Monday pushed with renewed urgency efforts to examine why the state's maternal mortality rate is what researchers say is the highest not only in the U.S., but the developed world.

Texas locks up more people who can't afford to pay tickets and fines than any other state, but that could change if Republican Gov. Greg Abbott signs off on bipartisan bills that would require judges to offer alternatives such as community service, payment plans or waivers.

Texas Republicans have been pushing an aggressive agenda despite promised court challenges, including legislation that would let police ask drivers whether they're in the U.S. legally, restrict what school bathrooms transgender students can use, ban most second-trimester abortions and let adoption agencies reject gay couples over religious objections.

As a budget shortfall in Texas threatens cuts to colleges and Medicaid, a costly border security operation is proving largely untouchable despite President Donald Trump's promises to build a wall and the plunging number of people caught illegally entering the U.S.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick brushed aside speculation of a 2018 gubernatorial run at the end of Texas' last legislative session, insisting he'd never challenge his "close friend" and fellow Republican Greg Abbott.

Texas put Planned Parenthood on notice Tuesday of plans to soon cut off Medicaid funds, a move that federal judges have blocked in other Republican-controlled states, which are now waiting to see if President-elect Donald Trump will strip the organization of taxpayer money.